Open house to show potential of historic building

Most San Antonians remember the historic two-story building at 201 W. Commerce St. as having housed a Kress store. Most recently, it was home to the Melrose apparel store until closing in late 2010, early 2011. National convenience story chain 7-Eleven has signed a lease there, but when it opens it will occupy only a small portion of the overall footprint.

The Center City Development Office is giving a slight nudge to the process of filling the space by hosting an open house there 6 p.m. May 28.

The open house is open to all. But it’s especially geared toward attracting potential developers and tenants. Owners B-Y Properties will be on hand to field interest.

“It’s a matchmaking event to reach out to developers, potential tenants and residents in downtown San Antonio to help us identify what should go there,” CCDO director Lori Houston said. “It’s a wonderful building on a prominent corner of downtown and we really want to help bring life to it.”

Local artists have been tapped to show the building’s full potential. Rex Hausmann and his art buddies will install a display spanning the entire facade. Ballet San Antonio will perform a neo-classical piece called “Da Luz.” And fashion guru Agosto Cuellar will showcase Goodwill fashions. Grooveline lead singer Rita Rodriguez and musician Johnmichael Macias will provide tunes.

Complementary beer by Freetail Brewing Co. and light food by Ming’s Thing will be served.

City staff representing CCDO, the Department of Culture and Creative Development and the Office of Historic Preservation will be there to answer questions from potential developers and tenants on how the city can assist in the form of incentives.

The CCDO plans to host more open houses like these in vacant and underutilized buildings throughout the center city.

“We hope to identify willing property owners who would like to see something similar for their buildings,” Houston said.